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Easy Mexican Ground Turkey Stuffed Bell Peppers

mexican ground turkey stuffed bell peppers - featured image

A quick and easy recipe for juicy, flavorful stuffed bell peppers filled with seasoned ground turkey, rice, and cheese, perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large bell peppers (any color), tops sliced off and seeds removed
  • 1 lb ground turkey
  • 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup tomato sauce
  • 1/2 cup black beans, drained and rinsed (optional)
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1/2 tsp oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Prep the bell peppers by slicing off the tops and carefully removing the seeds and membranes. Set aside the tops if you want to bake them alongside as lids.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté for about 3 minutes until softened.
  4. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Add the ground turkey to the skillet. Break it up with a wooden spoon and cook until no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes.
  6. Stir in chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices lightly.
  7. Add the tomato sauce and black beans (if using). Stir to combine and let simmer for 2-3 minutes to meld flavors.
  8. Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the cooked rice. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  9. Spoon the turkey and rice mixture into each bell pepper, packing it gently but not too tight.
  10. Place the stuffed peppers upright in your baking dish. Sprinkle shredded cheese generously on top of each.
  11. Cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
  12. Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  13. Let the peppers rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

If peppers are large and thick-walled, add a few extra minutes to baking time. Resting peppers after baking helps the filling set and makes them easier to eat. For a crispier cheese topping, broil for 2 minutes after baking. Use organic ground turkey for best flavor. Minute rice works well for quicker prep. To make dairy-free, omit cheese or use plant-based alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: stuffed bell peppers, ground turkey, Mexican recipe, easy dinner, weeknight meal, healthy stuffed peppers